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11/24/2019, 01:05 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 441
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Detritus problem
In my tank there’s a lot of detritus at the bottom. Whether it be parts of my mangroves that broke off rock or small pieces of shells of molted crabs. I can’t seem to get it out - when I use the siphon is sucks it up into the bell but it never picks it up - the detritus just remains in the bell and then falls out when I break the siphon. What else can I do? Should I get a small power head?
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11/24/2019, 01:17 PM | #2 |
Saltwater Addict
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vandalia OHIO
Posts: 11,624
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Use a hose and not the siphon tool they sell you at the pet store, it will suck all of that out
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Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs |
11/24/2019, 05:29 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
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Dont think of it as a negative...Its a great food source and even home for many critters..
But yes a powerhead would be just fine to let it blow around to benefit filter feeders and others.. It will likely just settle somewhere else though.. Every once and a while you can suck it out..
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11/24/2019, 05:47 PM | #4 |
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If you get a spot where crud sincerely collects, you may want to look at some sort of wavemaker, something to send current into the dead spots.
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Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%. |
11/24/2019, 05:51 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
Do you mean something like this? Super Easy Siphon Hose | Self-Priming Water & Liquid Siphon | Manual Syphon | Use On Aquariums, Fish Tanks, Pools | Pump Gas, Fuel & Oil | Safe for Drinking Water | FDA-Grade Clear PVC Tubing | 6ft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVAIL76..._jDX2DbFDQK9KD Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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12/03/2019, 08:28 AM | #6 | |
Saltwater Addict
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vandalia OHIO
Posts: 11,624
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Quote:
__________________
Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs |
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12/03/2019, 06:24 PM | #7 |
Registered Seaweedist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
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Consider Nature's solution - detrivores! Worms, pods, serpent stars and sea cucumbers are all great at keeping detritus levels low.
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As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018 |
12/04/2019, 09:31 AM | #8 | |
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Quote:
I ordered a HOB refugium to seed pods and will try serpent stars or a sea cucumber. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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12/04/2019, 09:55 AM | #9 |
Registered Seaweedist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 5,807
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My pleasure!
Serpent and brittle stars are good detrivores. Micro serpent stars are even better and reproduce in your tank, but are hard to find. Check out Indo-Pacific Sea Farms at ipsf.com. They've got them, and worms too. Cucumbers need a fairly large tank, or they will gradually shrink and starve to death. So only one per tank unless it's huge. Pods are great and underutilized as detrivores and algae eaters. Consider adding a top layer of course, crushed coral gravel on top of your sand bed. This provides habitat and refuge for pods throughout your tank.
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As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018 |
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